Halogenation of pyridine derivatives

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of pyridine derivatives of the formula (I) comprising two steps, namely, a selective chlorination followed by a selective fluorination.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is the U.S. national phase of International Application No. PCT/EP2019/050792, filed Jan. 14, 2019, which claims the benefit of European Patent Application No. 18152986.8, filed on Jan. 23, 2018.

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of pyridine derivatives of the formula I

comprising two steps, namely, a selective chlorination followed by a selective fluorination.

JP 2009-67682 A describes a method for production of pyridine derivatives substituted at the 2-position with a chloroalkyl group. However, all disclosed substituted pyridine derivatives do not bears an additional Br.

Thus, it was an object of the present invention to find a new process for the preparation of pyridine derivatives of the formula I bearing an additional Br atom which would be selective and at the same time effective for the production on a large scale.

It was now found that pyridine derivatives of the formula I

in which

-   R¹ is in each case independently selected from hydrogen, halogen,     C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl; -   R² is in each case independently selected from hydrogen and halogen; -   R¹⁰ is in each case independently selected from H, halogen, O(R⁹⁵),     C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl; wherein     -   R⁹⁵ is C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl;         can be obtained by a selective chlorination of a compound of the         formula II

wherein R¹, R² and R¹⁰ are as defined above with a chlorinating agent to provide a compound of the formula III

and a selective fluorination of the compound of the formula III using a fluorination agent to provide the compound of the formula I.

The process of this invention is very selective, since there is no Br/Cl exchange during the chlorination, which is surprising since usually Br will be replaced by Cl.

According one embodiment of the invention the chlorination step is carried out in an inert solvent.

By “inert organic solvent” is meant an organic solvent which, under the reaction conditions of the process of this invention, does not enter into any appreciable reaction with either the reactants or the products.

In one embodiment, the inert organic solvent is selected from non-halogenated inert organic solvents; preferably from non-halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons, non-halogenated cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons, non-halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons, halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, amides, ethers, esters, carboxylic or sulfonic acids, nitriles and any combination thereof.

Examples of suitable non-halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons include pentane, hexane, heptane, and the like. Preference is given to saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having from 5 to 10 carbon atoms.

Examples of suitable non-halogenated cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons include cyclopentane, cyclohexane, cycloheptane, and the like. Preference is given to non-halogenated saturated cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons having from 5 to 10 carbon atoms. Cyclohexane is particularly preferred.

Examples of suitable non-halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons include toluene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, ethylbenzene, 2-propylbenzene (cumene), 2-isopropyltoluene (o-cymol), 3-isopropyltoluene (m-cymol), 4-isopropyltoluene (p-cymol), 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (mesitylene), and the like. Preference is given to toluene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, ethylbenzene, 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (mesitylene), and any combination thereof. Especially preferred among the non-halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons are toluene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, and any combination thereof, with toluene being the most preferred.

Examples of suitable halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons include dichloromethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethylene, 1,2-dichloroethylene, and the like. Preference is given to dichloromethane and 1,2-dichloroethane and any combination thereof.

Examples of suitable halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons include chlorobenzene, bromobenzene, o-dichlorobenzene, m-dichlorobenzene, α,α,α-trifluorotoluene (benzotrifluoride) and the like and any combination thereof.

Examples of suitable amides include N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-diethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N,N-diethylacetamide, N-methyl-pyrrolidone, DMI (dimethylimidazolidinone) or tetramethylurea, and the like and any combination thereof.

Examples of suitable ethers include cyclic and acyclic ethers such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, n-butyl methyl ether, isobutyl methyl ether, sec-butyl methyl ether, tert-butyl methyl ether, cyclopentyl methyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, methyl-tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane, and the like and any combination thereof.

Examples of suitable esters include ethyl acetate, n-propylacetate, isopropyl acetate, tert-butyl acetate, and the like and any combination thereof.

Examples of suitable nitriles include acetonitrile, propionitrile, benzonitrile, and the like and any combination thereof.

Preferably the inert solvent selected from the group consisting of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and halohydrocarbons such as cyclohexane, heptane, benzene, toluene, xylenes, cumene, mesitylene, chlorobenzene, dichlorobenzenes and tert-butylbenzene, cyclic or acyclic ethers such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, tert-butyl methyl ether (MTBE), tert-butyl ethyl ether, methyl cyclopentylether, tetrahydrofuran (THF), methyl tetrahydrofuran (methyl THF) or dioxane, nitriles such as acetonitrile and propionitrile, aliphatic halohydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, dichloroethane, trichloromethane and mixtures thereof.

More preferably the inert solvent is chlorobenzene.

According to the one further embodiment of the invention the chlorinating agent is selected from the group consisting of N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS), sulfuryl chloride, Cl₂, trichloroisocyanuric acid, 1,3-dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin.

Preferably the chlorinating agent is trichloroisocyanuric acid.

Preferably, the the chlorinating agent is used in an amount of 0.5 eq to 2 eq, in particular 0.6 to 1.2 eq, more specifically 0.7 to 0.8 eq, in relation to one equivalent of compound II.

According to the one further embodiment of the invention the chlorination step is carried out in the presence of an organic carboxylic or sulfonic acid and in the absence of an alkali metal salt of said carboxylic acid which leads to decrease of waste.

Preferably the organic acid is selected from the group consisting of: formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, or butyric acid, aliphatic sulfonic acids selected from the group consisting of: methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid. More preferably is selected from the group consisting of acetic acid and trifluoroacetic acid. Most preferably is acetic acid.

Typical reaction times are in the range of from 1 to 20 hours, preferably from 2 to 15 hours and more preferably from 3 to 10 hours, most preferably 3 to 5 hours.

In the next step according to the invention the di-CI substituted pyridine is converted into a di-F substituted pyridine in the presence of a the fluorinating agent.

According to the one further embodiment of the invention the fluorinating agent is selected from the group consisting of KF, KHF₂, NaF, CaF₂, Olah reagent, a polyhydrofluoride complex of a trialkylamine.

Polyhydrofluoride complex of a trialkylamine can be described by a formula (C₁—C-alkyl)₃N×n HF, wherein (n=1-3) such as: (C₂H₅)₃N×3HF,

Preferably the fluorinating agent is (C₂H₅)₃N×3HF.

Preferably, the fluorinating agent is used in an amount of 2.0 eq to 10 eq, in particular 2.5 to 8.0 eq, more specifically 3.0 to 6.0 eq, in relation to one equivalent of compound III.

According to the one further embodiment of the invention the fluorinating reaction is carried out in the presence of an amine. Suitable amines are tertiary amines for example, tri(C₁-C₆-alkyl)amine such as trimethylamine, triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine, N-methylpiperidine, pyridine, substituted pyridines such as 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine (collidine), 2,6-dimethylpyridine (lutidine), 2-methylpyridine, (α-picoline), 3-methylpyridine (β-picoline), 4-methylpyridine (γ-picoline) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine, and also bicyclic amines such as 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene or 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene. Particular preference is given to using triethylamine, pyridine or 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene. Most preferred is triethylamine. Preferably, the amine is used in an amount of 1.0 eq to 10 eq, in particular 1.5 to 8.0 eq, more specifically 2.0 to 6.0 eq, in relation to one equivalent of compound III.

According to a further preferred embodiment the fluorination agent is NaF or KF, preferably KF.

According to the one further embodiment of the invention the fluorinating reaction is carried out in the presence of a phase transfer catalysts.

Phase transfer catalysts suitable for use in the process of this invention are those well known in the art. Preferred phase transfer catalysts are selected from quarternary ammonium salts, quarternary pyridinium salts, quarternary phosphonium salts and any combination thereof and more preferably selected from quarternary ammonium salts, quarternary phosphonium salts and any combination thereof.

More preferably, the phase transfer catalyst is selected from quaternary ammonium salts of the general formula (R′R″R′″R″″N)⁺Z₁ ⁻ wherein R′, R″, R′″ and R″″ are the same or different and are each independently selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₂₀-alkyl, C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkyl, C₆-C₂₀-aryl and C₆-C₂₀-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, and Z₁ ⁻ is a monovalent anion, and quarternary phosphonium salts of the general formula (R′R″R′″R″″P)₊Z₂ ⁻  (VII) wherein R′, R″, R′″ and R″″ are the same or different and are each independently selected from C₁-C₂₀-alkyl, C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkyl, C₆-C₂₀-aryl and C₆-C₂₀-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl, a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclyl group containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N and S, and Z₂ is a monovalent anion, and any combination thereof.

The term “a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclyl group containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N and S” as used herein includes but is not limited to 1-piperidyl, morpholinyl and 4-methyl-1-piperidyl.

In a preferred embodiment, the monovalent anion Z₁ ⁻ is selected from a halide, hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate and monomethyl sulfate, more preferably from chloride, bromide, iodide and hydroxide, even more preferably from chloride or bromide and is most preferably chloride.

In another preferred embodiment, the monovalent anion Z₁ ⁻ is selected from a halide, more preferably from chloride or bromide is most preferably chloride.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the monovalent anion Z₂ is selected from a halide, hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate and monomethyl sulfate, more preferably from chloride, bromide, iodide and hydroxide, even more preferably from chloride or bromide and is most preferably chloride.

In still another preferred embodiment, the monovalent anion Z₂ is selected from a halide, more preferably from chloride or bromide and is most preferably chloride.

In a preferred embodiment, the phase transfer catalyst is selected from quaternary ammonium salts of the general formula (V) wherein R′ R″, R′″ and R″″ are the same or different and are each independently selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₂₀-alkyl, C₆-C₂₀-aryl and C₆-C₂₀-aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl-.

More preferably, the phase transfer catalyst is selected from quaternary ammonium salts of the general formula (V) wherein R′ R″, R′″ and R″″ are the same or different and are each independently selected from C₁-C₂₀-alkyl, even more preferably C₁-C₁₂-alkyl and still more preferably C₁-C₈-alkyl and yet more preferably C₁-C₄-alkyl.

Particularly preferred phase transfer catalysts useful for the process of this invention are tetra-n-C₁-C₁₂-alkyl-ammonium chlorides, bromides, iodides, hydroxides, hydrogen sulfate or monomethyl sulfate (in particular chlorides), preferably tetra-n-C₁-C₈-alkyl-ammonium chlorides, bromides, iodides, hydroxides, hydrogen sulfate or monomethyl sulfate (in particular chlorides), e.g. tetramethylammonium chloride, bromide, iodide, hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate or monomethyl sulfate (in particular chloride), tetraethylammonium chloride, bromide, iodide, hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate or monomethyl sulfate, tetra-n-propylammonium chloride, bromide, iodide, hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate or monomethyl sulfate, tetra-n-butylammonium chloride, bromide, iodide, hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate or monomethyl sulfate (in particular chloride), tetra-n-pentylammonium chloride, bromide, iodide, hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate or monomethyl sulfate (in particular chloride), tetra-n-hexylammonium chloride, bromide, iodide, hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate or monomethyl sulfate (in particular chloride), tetra-n-heptylammonium chloride, bromide, iodide, hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate or monomethyl sulfate (in particular chloride), tetra-n-octylammonium chloride, bromide, iodide, hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate or monomethyl sulfate (in particular chloride), methyl-tri-n-butylammonium chloride, bromide, iodide, hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate or monomethyl sulfate (in particular chloride), ethyl-tri-methylammonium chloride, bromide, iodide, hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate or monomethyl sulfate (in particular chloride), n-propyl-trimethyl ammonium chloride, bromide, iodide, hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate or monomethyl sulfate (in particular chloride), methyl-triethyl ammonium chloride, bromide, iodide, hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate or monomethyl sulfate (in particular chloride), n-butyl-triethylammonium chloride, bromide, iodide, hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate or monomethyl sulfate (in particular chloride), tri-n-octylmethylammonium chloride, bromide, iodide, hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate or monomethyl sulfate (in particular chloride) and n-dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride, bromide, iodide, hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate or monomethyl sulfate (in particular chloride). Of these, the use of tetra-n-C₁-C₄-alkyl-ammonium chlorides, bromides, iodides, hydroxides, hydrogen sulfates or monomethyl sulfates (in particular chlorides) is preferred, in particular tetra-n-butylammonium chloride, bromide, iodide, hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate or monomethyl sulfate (more specifically chloride) and methyl-tri-n-butylammonium chloride, bromide, iodide, hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate or monomethyl sulfate (more specifically chloride).

Even more preferably, the phase transfer catalyst is selected from tetra-n-butylammonium chloride, tri-n-octylmethylammonium chloride, n-dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride, benzyl(tri-n-butyl)ammonium chloride, tetrakis(1-piperidyl)phosphonium chloride and any combination thereof.

In another preferred embodiment, the phase transfer catalyst is selected from quaternary ammonium salts, more preferably from benzyl trialkyl substituted quaternary ammonium salt, most preferably benzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride and benzyl triethyl ammonium chloride.

The phase-transfer catalyst, which is usually solid in pure form, can be used as such or, preferably, in dissolved form. For example, a solution of the phase transfer catalyst in any of the aforementioned substantially anhydrous (preferably anhydrous) inert organic solvents such as e.g. aromatic or aliphatic hydrocarbons.

According to the one further embodiment of the invention the fluorinating reaction is carried out in the presence of a polar solvent. It was found that the use of catalytic amounts of a polar solvent accelerates the fluorination reaction.

Suitable organic solvents for the reaction are, aprotic polar solvents, for example cyclic or acyclic ethers such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, n-butyl methyl ether, isobutyl methyl ether, sec-butyl methyl ether, tert-butyl methyl ether, cyclopentyl methyl ether, methyl-tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane, cyclic or acyclic amides such as dimethylformamide, diethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, diethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, DMI (dimethylimidazolidinone) or tetramethylurea, or aliphatic nitriles such as acetonitrile or propionitrile, and mixtures of the aforementioned solvents. The preference is given to DMF, NMP, DMI.

Preferably the polar solvent is DMF.

Typical reaction times are in the range of from 1 to 24 hours, preferably from 2 to 16 hours and more preferably from 3 to 15 hours, most preferably 4 to 12 hours.

The reaction of the halogen exchange is carried our between 70° C. and 180° C., preferably between 80° C. and 160° C.

The compound of the formula II is prepared using the compound of the formula IV

in which

-   R¹ is in each case independently selected from hydrogen, halogen,     C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl; -   R² is in each case independently selected from hydrogen and halogen; -   R¹⁰ is in each case independently selected from H, halogen, O(R⁹⁵),     C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl; wherein     -   R⁹⁵ is C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl;         in a reaction with a brominating agent selected from the group         consisting of such as N-bromosuccinimide (NBS),         1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH) or a system consisting         of HBr/H₂O₂ in the presence of oleum 65%.

Preferably the brominating agent in the process according to the invention is selected from the group consisting of such as N-bromosuccinimide (NBS), 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH) or a system consisting of HBr/H₂O₂. The preferred brominating agents are NBS und DBDMH. The most preferred brominating agent is 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH).

Typical reaction times are in the range of from 1 to 20 hours, preferably from 2 to 15 hours and more preferably from 3 to 10 hours, most preferably 3 to 5 hours.

Typical the product will be extracted using an inert organic solvent.

By “inert organic solvent” is meant an organic solvent which, under the reaction conditions of the process of this invention, does not enter into any appreciable reaction with either the reactants or the products.

In one embodiment, the inert organic solvent is selected from non-halogenated inert organic solvents; preferably from non-halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons, non-halogenated cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons, non-halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons, halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, ethers, esters, ketones, and any combination thereof.

Examples of suitable non-halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons include pentane, hexane, heptane, and the like. Preference is given to saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having from 5 to 10 carbon atoms.

Examples of suitable non-halogenated cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons include cyclopentane, cyclohexane, cycloheptane, and the like. Preference is given to non-halogenated saturated cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons having from 5 to 10 carbon atoms. Cyclohexane is particularly preferred.

Examples of suitable a non-halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons include toluene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, ethylbenzene, 2-propylbenzene (cumene), 2-isopropyltoluene (o-cymol), 3-isopropyltoluene (m-cymol), 4-isopropyltoluene (p-cymol), 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (mesitylene), and the like. Preference is given to toluene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, ethylbenzene, 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (mesitylene), and any combination thereof. Especially preferred among the non-halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons are toluene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, and any combination thereof, with toluene being the most preferred.

Examples of suitable halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons include dichloromethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethylene, 1,2-dichloroethylene, and the like. Preference is given to dichloromethane and 1,2-dichloroethane and any combination thereof.

Examples of suitable halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons include chlorobenzene, bromobenzene, o-dichlorobenzene, m-dichlorobenzene, α,α,α-trifluorotoluene (benzotrifluoride) and the like and any combination thereof.

Examples of suitable ethers include cyclic and acyclic ethers such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, n-butyl methyl ether, isobutyl methyl ether, sec-butyl methyl ether, tert-butyl methyl ether, cyclopentyl methyl ether, methyl-tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane, and the like and any combination thereof.

Examples of suitable esters include ethyl acetate, n-propylacetate, isopropyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, tert-butyl acetate, and the like and any combination thereof.

Examples of suitable ketones include acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isopropyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclopropyl methyl ketone and the like, and any combination thereof.

After the extraction the inert solvent will be evaporated and the crude product will be purified by distillation.

The molar ratio of the brominating agent DBDMH to the pyridine derivative of the formula I where R¹═H and R²═H can vary widely and depends on the reaction conditions used, but is generally from 0.40:1.1 to 1.5:1, preferably from 0.40:1 to 1.2:1, more preferably from 0.40:1 to 1.1:1 and even more preferably from 0.50:1 to 1.0:1. It is preferably to use the brominating agent less then 1 eq compared to the pyridine in order to avoid sideproducts. Therefore, the molar ratio of the brominating agent DBDMH to the pyridine derivative of the formula I where R¹═H and R²═H is preferably 0.4 to 1.1, more preferably 0.4 to 0.9.

Preferably, a bromination of the compounds of the formula I where R¹═H and R²═H will be performed. The preferred brominating agent is 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH). In that case, preference is given to performing the bromination in Oleum 65% without an additional solvent.

In this case, the the reaction temperature is preferably in the range from 0 to 150° C. and especially 80 to 125° C. temperature and the reaction times are in the range of from 2 to 10 hours, more preferred 2 to 5 hours.

Preferably the purification is a distillation under reduced pressure.

The pyridine obtained of the formula I according to the inventive process can be further converted into 2,3-disubstituted pyridine compounds of the formula V

-   -   wherein

-   R¹ is in each case independently selected from hydrogen, halogen,     C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl;

-   R² is in each case independently selected from hydrogen and halogen;

-   R³, R⁴ are independently selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl,     C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl, C₂-C₆-halogenalkenyl and     C₂-C₆-halogenalkynyl;

-   R⁵ is halogen;

-   R⁶ is halogen;

-   R⁷, R⁸ together with the carbon atoms to which they are bound form a     ring A, wherein the ring A is phenyl and wherein the ring A is     substituent by (R⁷⁸)_(o), wherein     -   o is 0, 1, 2 or 3; and     -   R⁷⁸ is independently selected from halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl,         C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl and C₁-C₆-halogenalkoxy;

-   R⁹ is in each case independently selected from CH₃ and CHF₂;

-   R¹⁰ is in each case independently selected from H, halogen, O(R⁹⁵),     C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl; wherein     -   R⁹⁵ is C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl.

Consequently, the present invention relates further to the process comprises the following step:

-   (i) providing a compound of the formula I as described above; -   (ii) reacting the compound of the formula I with a compound of the     formula VI

in which R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are each as defined for formula V; and X is a metal ion.

According to one embodiment the step (ii) is carried out in the presence of a catalyst comprises: a Cu source, a Pd source and an optional ligand.

When carrying out the reaction, the catalyst system (Pd+ligand) can be added together or separately either at room temperature or at an elevated temperature. The system can be prepared separately, immediately before the reaction is carried out, by combining a Pd salt and the ligand, or it can be synthesized before or purchased in pure form or in solution. Also possible is the direct addition of the ligand and of the palladium source to the batch (in situ process). Alternatively the reaction can be carried out with a palladium source alone without addition of an additional ligand.

The palladium catalysts used are optionally produced in situ from at least one palladium(II) salt or a palladium(0) compound and the corresponding phosphine ligands. However, they may also be used directly as palladium(0)- or palladium(II)-compound without reducing the initial catalytic activity.

According to one embodiment of the invention the Pd source is selected from the group consisting of Pd(OAc)₂, Pd(II)Cl₂, Palladium(II)-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethan dichloride, Palladium(II)-1,3-Bis(diphenylphosphino)propan dichloride, Palladium(II)-1,4-Bis(diphenylphosphino)butan dichloride, Palladium(II)-1,1′-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene dichloride, Palladium(0)-tetrakis(triphenylphosphin, Palladium(II)bis(triphenylphosphin)dichloride, Pd(P(t-Bu)₃)₂, Pd(acac)₂, Pd(iPr)₂Ph₂, Pd(P(t-Bu)₂Ph)₂Cl₂, Pd(dba)₂, PdI₂, PdBr₂, or Pd(TFA)₂.

According to one embodiment of the invention the ligand is mono- or bidentate phosphorus-containing ligand.

As monodentate phosphorus-containing ligand following are preferred:

monodentate phosphorus-containing ligand of the formula P

wherein P′, P″, P′″ are independently selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl, which are unsubstituted or substituted.

More preferred are monodentate phosphorus-containing ligand selected from the group consisting of: triethylphosphin, tri-n-butylphosphin, tri-t-butylphosphin, tribenzylphosphin, tri(cyclopentyl)phosphin, tri(cyclohexyl)phosphin, triphenylphosphin, tri(p-tolyl)phosphin, tri(mtolyl)phosphin, tri (o-tolyl)phosphin, tri(p-methoxyphenyl)phosphin, tri(p-dimethylaminophenyl)phosphin, tri-(natrium-meta-sulfonatophenyl)-phosphan, diphenyl(2-sulfonatophenyl)phosphin, tri(1-naphthyl)phosphin, di-t-butyl-phenyl-phosphin, XPhos, SPhos, RuPhos und diphenyl-2-pyridylphosphin. Most preferred are triphenylphosphin, tri(p-tolyl)phosphin und tri(cyclohexyl)phosphin.

As bidentate phosphorus-containing ligand following are preferred: 2,2′-Bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl (BINAP), 1,1-bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (DPPM), 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethan (DPPE), 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propan (DPPP), 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butan (DPPB), 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocen (DPPF), 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthen (Xantphos), 1,2-bis(di-tertbutylphosphinomethyl)benzol, 1,2-bis(di-tert-pentylphosphinomethyl)benzol), 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)-2,2-dimethylpropane, 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)-2-methyl-2-butylpropane und 1,2-bis(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)naphthalin. Most preferred are 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethan (DPPE), 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propan (DPPP), 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butan (DPPB and 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocen (DPPF).

The molar ratio of palladium to the phosphine ligand should be between 4:1 and 1:100 and is preferably between 1:1 and 1:5, particularly preferably between 1:1 and 1:2.

When carrying out the reaction, the catalyst system (Pd+ligand) can be added together or separately either at room temperature or at an elevated temperature. The system can be prepared separately, immediately before the reaction is carried out, by combining a Pd salt and the ligand, or it can be purchased or synthesized in pure form or in solution. Also possible is the direct addition of the ligand and of the palladium source to the batch (in situ process).

According to one embodiment of the invention the Cu salts is selected from the group CuI, CuBr, CuCl, CuF, Cu₂O, Cu(OAc), Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂, CuSO₄, CuO, Cu(Otriflate)₂, Cu(OAc)₂. Most preferred are CuBr, CuCl, Cu₂O, CuSO₄ and CuO.

The molar ratio of palladium to Cu salt should be between 0.01 and 50, preferably between 0.05 and 20, preferred between 0.1 and 5.

Suitable organic solvents for the reaction are aprotic solvents, for example aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylenes, cumene, chlorobenzene, dichlorobenzenes, nitrobenzene or tert-butylbenzene, aprotic polar solvents, for example cyclic or acyclic ethers such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, tert-butyl methyl ether (MTBE), tert-butyl ethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran (THF) or dioxane, cyclic or acyclic amides such as dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone or tetramethylurea, aliphatic esters like ethyl acetate, butyl acetate or methyl propionate, cyclic or acyclic ketones like cyclohexanone, acetone, 3-methyl-butanone or 4-methyl-pentanone-2, aliphatic chlorinated solvents like dichloromethane, chloroform, tetrachloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethylene or aliphatic nitriles such as acetonitrile or propionitrile, and mixtures of the aforementioned solvents. The preference is given to acetonitrile, 3-methylbutanone, 4-methyl-pentanone-2, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, N-methylpyrrolidone, dimethylformamide, toluene, xylenes, even more preferred toluene, N-methylpyrrolidone or butyl acetate.

The reaction usually takes place at temperatures between 50° C. and 200° C., preferred between 70° C. and 150° C., especially preferred between 90° C. and 130° C.

In the compound of the formula VI X is selected form the group consisting of Li, Na, K and Cs. Most preferred is Li.

The compound of the formula VI can be prepared from the compound of the formula VII

wherein

-   R³, R⁴ are independently selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl,     C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl, C₂-C₆-halogenalkenyl and     C₂-C₆-halogenalkynyl; -   R⁷⁸ is independently selected from halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl,     C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl and C₁-C₆-halogenalkoxy; -   o is 0, 1, 2 or 3; -   Y is selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl, phenyl and     benzyl, wherein phenyl and benzyl are unsubstituted or substituted     by CN, NO₂, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl or     C₁-C₆-alkoxy.     which can be obtained by one step reaction of the compound of the     formula VIII

wherein R³, R⁴, o and R⁷⁸ are as defined above with a compound of the formula IX

wherein Y is as defined above.

According to one embodiment of the invention the reaction is carried out in the presence of an acid.

Preferably the acid is selected from inorganic acids such as sulfuric acid, fuming sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, organic acids such as trifluoromethane sulfonic acid, methane sulfonic acid, trifluoro acetic acid, trichloro acetic acid and mixtures thereof.

More preferred as acid are sulfuric acid, fuming sulfuric acid and trifluoro acetic acid.

Most preferred is the use of sulfuric acid. Preferred amounts of the acid used are 1-10 equivilants related to the alcohol VIII used, more preferred 2 to 8 equivilants, even more preferred 2.5 to 5 equivilants.

According to one embodiment of the invention the reaction between VIII and IX is carried out in an inert solvent.

By “inert organic solvent” is meant an organic solvent which, under the reaction conditions of the process of this invention, does not enter into any appreciable reaction with either the reactants or the products.

In one embodiment, the inert organic solvent is selected from non-halogenated inert organic solvents; preferably from non-halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons, non-halogenated cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons, non-halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons, halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, amides, ethers, esters, ketones, nitriles and any combination thereof.

Examples of suitable non-halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons include pentane, hexane, heptane, petrolether and the like. Preference is given to saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having from 5 to 10 carbon atoms.

Examples of suitable non-halogenated cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons include cyclopentane, cyclohexane, cycloheptane, and the like. Preference is given to non-halogenated saturated cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons having from 5 to 10 carbon atoms. Cyclohexane is particularly preferred.

Examples of suitable a non-halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons include toluene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, ethylbenzene, 2-propylbenzene (cumene), 2-isopropyltoluene (o-cymol), 3-isopropyltoluene (m-cymol), 4-isopropyltoluene (p-cymol), 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (mesitylene), and the like. Preference is given to toluene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, ethylbenzene, 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (mesitylene), and any combination thereof. Especially preferred among the non-halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons are toluene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, and any combination thereof, with toluene being the most preferred.

Examples of suitable halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons include dichloromethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethylene, 1,2-dichloroethylene, and the like. Preference is given to dichloromethane and 1,2-dichloroethane and any combination thereof.

Examples of suitable halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons include chlorobenzene, bromobenzene, o-dichlorobenzene, m-dichlorobenzene, α,α,α-trifluorotoluene (benzotrifluoride) and the like and any combination thereof.

Examples of suitable amides include N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N,N-diethylacetamide, N-methyl-pyrrolidone, and the like and any combination thereof.

Examples of suitable ethers include cyclic and acyclic ethers such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, n-butyl methyl ether, isobutyl methyl ether, sec-butyl methyl ether, tert-butyl methyl ether, cyclopentyl methyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane, and the like and any combination thereof.

Examples of suitable esters include ethyl acetate, n-propylacetate, isopropyl acetate, tert-butyl acetate, and the like and any combination thereof.

Examples of suitable ketones include acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isopropyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclopropyl methyl ketone and the like, and any combination thereof.

Examples of suitable nitriles include acetonitrile, benzonitrile, and the like and any combination thereof.

Preferably the inert solvent selected from the group consisting of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and halohydrocarbons such as cyclohexane, heptane, benzene, toluene, xylenes, cumene, mesitylene, chlorobenzene, dichlorobenzenes and tert-butylbenzene, cyclic or acyclic ethers such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, tert-butyl methyl ether (MTBE), tert-butyl ethyl ether, methyl cyclopentylether, tetrahydrofuran (THF), methyl tetrahydrofuran (methyl THF) or dioxane, nitriles such as acetonitrile and propionitrile, aliphatic halohydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, dichloroethane, trichloromethane and mixtures thereof.

More preferably the inert solvent is chlorobenzene, cyclohexane, heptane or petrolether.

Compounds IX are commercially available or can be synthesized according to known procedures. For details see: Heteroatom Chemistry, 26(4), 249-256; 2015; H675875; Anorganische und Allgemeine Chemie, 510, 136-42; 1984; Tetrahedron Letters, (27), 2517-20; 1979; Journal of Organic Chemistry, 41(21), 3486-7; 1976; Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 23(24), 7661-7670; 2015; DE102014008070; WO 2017059191; Tetrahedron, 63(39), 9724-9740; 2007; 40 Chemical Communications, (16), 1775-1777; 2006; Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry, 2(13), 1921-1933; 2004; Tetrahedron Letters, (27), 2517-20; 1979.

Compounds VIII are commercially available or can be synthesized according to known procedures. For details see: Tetrahedron, 42(11), 2931-5; 1986; Journal of the Indian Chemical Society, 87(5), 595-600; 2010; Chemistry Letters, 37(7), 800-801; 2008; Journal of Labelled Compounds & Radiopharmaceuticals, 43(14), 1321-1326; 2000; Organic Chemistry, 47(7), 1193-6; 1982; Chemische Berichte, 114(12), 3813-30; 1981; Russian Chemical Bulletin, 55(1), 123-136; 2006; Comptes Rendus des Seances de l'Academie des Sciences, Serie C: Sciences Chimiques, 283(3), 75-8; 1976; Journal of Organometallic Chemistry, 328(1-2), 81-6; 1987; WO 2016038628; WO 2008090193; Chemistry Letters, 37(7), 800-801; 2008; European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 14(2), 165-70; 1979; Journal of Organic Chemistry, 45(19), 3925-7; 1980; Chemical Communications, 51(30), 6637-6639; 2015; Journal of the American Chemical Society, 110(23), 7737-45; 1988; Tetrahedron Letters, 50(20), 2320-2321; 2009; Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 14(2), 165-70; 1979; Angewandte Chemie, International Edition, 53(25), 6439-6442; 2014; Bulletin de la Societe Chimique de France, (5), 787-93; 1985; Chemical Communications, 52(82), 12147-12150; 2016; European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 14(2), 165-70; 1979.

Preferably, the compound VIII is used in an amount of 0.8 eq to 3 eq, in particular 1.05 to 2.5 eq, more specifically 1.05 to 1.8 eq, in relation to one equivalent of compound IX.

The substituted dihydroisoquinolines of the formula IX obtained according to the inventive process can be further converted into compounds of the formula X

wherein

-   R³, R⁴ are independently selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl,     C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl, C₂-C₆-halogenalkenyl and     C₂-C₆-halogenalkynyl; -   R⁷⁸ is independently selected from halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl,     C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl and C₁-C₆-halogenalkoxy; -   o is 0, 1, 2 or 3; -   Y is selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl, phenyl and     benzyl, wherein phenyl and benzyl are unsubstituted or substituted     by CN, NO₂, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl or     C₁-C₆-alkoxy.

Consequently, the present invention relates further to the process comprises the following step:

-   (i) providing a compound of the formula VII -   (ii) reacting the compound of the formula VII with a brominating     agent.

According to one embodiment of the invention the brominating agent in the process according to the invention is selected from the group consisting of is selected from the group consisting of Br₂, N-bromosuccinimide (NBS), 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH) or a system consisting of HBr/H₂O₂.

Preferably the brominating agent is N-bromosuccinimide (NBS).

Preferably the brominating agent is 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH).

Preferably, the brominating agent is used in an amount of 1.5 eq to 5 eq, in particular 2.0 to 3.0 eq, in relation to one equivalent of compound VII.

Typical reaction times are in the range of from 10 minutes to 12 hours, preferably from 30 minutes to 8 hours, also preferred from 1 to 4 hours.

Typically the bromination is carried out under radical generating conditions. Preferred radical generating conditions are the use of UV-light or the use of radical initiators like azo compounds or peroxides. Preferred conditions are the use of radical initiators. The nature of the radical initor depends on the reaction temperatures applied, most preferred are benzoyl peroxide or AIBN (azo isobutyro dinitrile). The amounts of radical initiators used range from 0.001 equiv. to 0.5 equiv., preferably 0.005 eqiv. to 0.3 equiv., also preferred 0.01 to 0.2 equiv. related to compound VII used.

Typically the reaction is carried out in an inert solvent as defined above. Preferred inert solvents for this bromination step are chlorobenzene, cyclohexane, heptane, trichloromethane, tetrachloromethane, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate or acetonitrile. Preferably the solvent used is chlorobenzene, cyclohexane, ethyl acetate or butyl acetate.

By means of the inventive process, the pyridine derivatives of the formula I can be prepared in high yields. Preferably, the yields are at least 60%, more preferably 70%, even more preferred at least 75%, even more preferred at least 80%.

The brominated dihydroisoquinolines of the formula X obtained according to the inventive process can be further converted into compounds of the formula XI

wherein

-   R³, R⁴ are independently selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₂-C₆-alkenyl,     C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl, C₂-C₆-halogenalkenyl and     C₂-C₆-halogenalkynyl; -   R⁷⁸ is independently selected from halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl,     C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl and C₁-C₆-halogenalkoxy; -   o is 0, 1, 2 or 3; -   Y is selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl, phenyl and     benzyl, wherein phenyl and benzyl are unsubstituted or substituted     by CN, NO₂, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl or     C₁-C₆-alkoxy.

Consequently, the present invention relates further to the process comprises the following step:

-   (i) providing a compound of the formula VII; -   (ii) providing a compound of the formula X; -   (iii) reacting the compound of the formula X with a fluorinating     agent to provide the compound of the formula XI.

According to the one further embodiment of the invention the fluorinating agent is selected from the group consisting of NaF, CsF, KF, KHF₂, Olah reagent, HF, a polyhydrofluoride complex of a trialkylamine or mixtures of HF in trialkylamines (C₁-C₆-alkyl)₃N.

Polyhydrofluoride complex of a trialkylamine can be described by a formula (C₁-C₆-alkyl)₃N×n HF, wherein (n=1-5) such as: (C₂H5)₃N×3HF, (C₄H9)₃N×3HF.

Mixtures of HF in trialkylamines (C₁-C₆-alkyl)₃N are mixture with a content of 5-95% HF in trialkylamines (C₁-C₆-alkyl)₃N, preferred 10-60% HF, further preferred 20-40%.

Preferably the fluorinating agent is HF in triethylamine solution, preferred (C₂H₅)₃N×3HF, optionally diluted with (C₂H₅)₃N or with mixtures of (C₂H₅)₃N and polar solvents like acetonnitril, dimethylformamide or N-methyl-pyrrolidone.

Preferably, the fluorinating agent is used in an amount of 1.2 eq to 10 eq, in particular 2.2 to 7.8 eq, more specifically 4.4 to 5.6 eq, in relation to one equivalent of compound VIII.

According to the one further embodiment of the invention the fluorinating reaction is carried out in the presence of a solvent, preferably a polar solvent. Suitable organic solvents for the reaction are protic polar solvents, for example water, aliphatic alcohols having preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, isobutanol or tertbutanol, or carboxylic acids such as acetic acid, aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylenes, cumene, chlorobenzene, nitrobenzene or tert-butylbenzene, aprotic polar solvents, for example cyclic or acyclic ethers such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, tert-butyl methyl ether (MTBE), tert-butyl ethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran (THF) or dioxane, cyclic or acyclic amides such as dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone or tetramethylurea, aliphatic esters like ethyl acetate, butyl acetate or methyl propionate, cyclic or acyclic ketones like cyclohexanone, acetone, 3-methyl-butanone or 4-methyl-pentanone-2, aliphatic tertiary amines like triethylamine, tributylamine or diisopropyl ethylamine, or aliphatic nitriles such as acetonitrile or propionitrile, and mixtures of the aforementioned solvents. The preference is given to water, acetonitrile, 3-methylbutanone, butyl acetate, dimethylformamide, ethanol, toluene.

Preferably the polar solvent is acetonitril or triethylamine.

Further preferred solvent systems are (C₂H₅)₃N×3HF alone or (C₂H₅)₃N×3HF with addition of triethylamine, acetonitrile or dimethylformamide.

The reaction usually takes place at temperatures between 10° C. and 150° C., preferred between 20° C. and 100° C., especially preferred between 50° C. and 90° C.

Typical reaction times are in the range of from 0.5 to 18 hours, preferred 1 to 5 hours, preferably from 1 to 3 hours.

The terms “compounds I”, “compounds II”, “compounds IIa” and “compounds III” refer to compounds of formulae I, II, IIa and III, respectively. In the definitions of the variables given above, collective terms are used which are generally representative for the substituents in question.

In the definitions of the variables given herein, collective terms are used which are generally representative for the substituents in question. The term “C_(n)-C_(m)” indicates the number of carbon atoms possible in each case in the substituent or substituent moiety in question.

The term “halogen” refers to fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.

The term “C₁-C₆-alkyl” refers to a straight-chained or branched saturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, e.g. methyl, ethyl, propyl, 1-methylethyl, butyl, 1-methylpropyl, 2-methylpropyl, 1,1-dimethylethyl, pentyl, 1-methylbutyl, 2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, 1-ethylpropyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, hexyl, 1-methylpentyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl, 1,1-dimethylbutyl, 1,2-dimethylbutyl, 1,3-dimethylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl, 1-ethylbutyl, 2-ethylbutyl, 1,1,2-trimethylpropyl, 1,2,2-trimethylpropyl, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropyl and 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl. Likewise, the term “C₂-C₄-alkyl” refers to a straight-chained or branched alkyl group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, such as ethyl, propyl (n-propyl), 1-methylethyl (iso-propoyl), butyl, 1-methylpropyl (sec.-butyl), 2-methylpropyl (iso-butyl), 1,1-dimethylethyl (tert.-butyl).

The term “C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl” refers to an alkyl group having 1 or 6 carbon atoms as defined above, wherein some or all of the hydrogen atoms in these groups may be replaced by halogen atoms as mentioned above. Examples are “C₁-C₂-haloalkyl” groups such as chloromethyl, bromomethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chlorofluoromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, chlorodifluoromethyl, 1-chloroethyl, 1-bromoethyl, 1-fluoroethyl, 2-fluoroethyl, 2,2-difluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 2-chloro-2-fluoroethyl, 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethyl, 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl or pentafluoroethyl.

The term “C₂-C₆-alkenyl” refers to a straight-chain or branched unsaturated hydrocarbon radical having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a double bond in any position. Examples are “C₂-C₄-alkenyl” groups, such as ethenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl (allyl), 1-methylethenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 1-methyl-1-propenyl, 2-methyl-1-propenyl, 1-methyl-2-propenyl, 2-methyl-2-propenyl.

The term “C₂-C₆-halogenalkenyl” refers to an alkyl group having 2 or 6 carbon atoms as defined above, wherein some or all of the hydrogen atoms in these groups may be replaced by halogen atoms as mentioned above.

The term “C₂-C₆-alkynyl” refers to a straight-chain or branched unsaturated hydrocarbon radical having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and containing at least one triple bond. Examples are “C₂-C₄-alkynyl” groups, such as ethynyl, prop-1-ynyl, prop-2-ynyl (propargyl), but-1-ynyl, but-2-ynyl, but-3-ynyl, 1-methyl-prop-2-ynyl.

The term “C₂-C₆-halogenalkynyl” refers to an alkyl group having 2 or 6 carbon atoms as defined above, wherein some or all of the hydrogen atoms in these groups may be replaced by halogen atoms as mentioned above.

The term “C₁-C₆-alkoxy” refers to a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms which is bonded via an oxygen, at any position in the alkyl group. Examples are “C₁-C₄-alkoxy” groups, such as methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, 1-methylethoxy, butoxy, 1-methyl¬propoxy, 2-methylpropoxy or 1,1-dimethylethoxy.

The term “C₁-C₆-halogenalkoxy” refers to a C₁-C₆-alkoxy radical as defined above, wherein some or all of the hydrogen atoms in these groups may be replaced by halogen atoms as mentioned above. Examples are “C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy” groups, such as OCH₂F, OCHF₂, OCF₃, OCH₂Cl, OCHCl₂, OCCl₃, chlorofluoromethoxy, dichlorofluoromethoxy, chlorodifluoromethoxy, 2-fluoroethoxy, 2-chloroethoxy, 2-bromoethoxy, 2-iodoethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, 2-chloro-2-fluoroethoxy, 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethoxy, 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethoxy, 2,2,2-trichloro¬ethoxy, OC₂F₅, 2-fluoropropoxy, 3-fluoropropoxy, 2,2-difluoropropoxy, 2,3-difluoro-propoxy, 2 chloropropoxy, 3-chloropropoxy, 2,3-dichloropropoxy, 2-bromo¬propoxy, 3 bromopropoxy, 3,3,3-trifluoropropoxy, 3,3,3-trichloropropoxy, OCH₂—C₂F₅, OCF₂—C₂F₅, 1-fluoromethyl-2-fluoroethoxy, 1-chloromethyl-2-chloroethoxy, 1-bromomethyl-2-bromo¬ethoxy, 4-fluorobutoxy, 4-chlorobutoxy, 4-bromobutoxy or nonafluorobutoxy.

The term “phenyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl” refers to alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms (as defined above), wherein one hydrogen atom of the alkyl radical is replaced by a phenyl radical. Likewise, the terms “phenyl-C₂-C₆-alkenyl” and “phenyl-C₂-C₆-alkynyl” refer to alkenyl and alkynyl, respectively, wherein one hydrogen atom of the aforementioned radicals is replaced by a phenyl radical.

The meanings and preferred meanings described in the following for the variables R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁷⁸, R⁹⁵, R¹⁰ and o apply to compounds and the compounds of the formula I, II, III, IV, V and VI and side products in any of the above detailed inventive processes.

According to one embodiment of the invention in compounds of the formula I, II, III, IV, V and VI, where applicable, the variables have independently of each other or more preferably in combination the following meanings:

-   R¹ is in each case independently selected from hydrogen and     C₁-C₆-alkyl; -   R² is in each case independently selected from hydrogen; -   R³, R⁴ are independently selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl and     C₁—C-halogenalkyl; -   R⁵ is halogen; -   R⁶ is halogen; -   R⁷, R⁸ together with the carbon atoms to which they are bound form a     ring A, wherein the ring A is phenyl and wherein the ring A is     substituent by (R⁷⁸)_(o), wherein     -   o is 0, 1, 2 or 3; and     -   R⁷⁸ are independently selected from halogen and C₁-C₆-alkyl; -   R⁹ is in each case independently selected from CH₃ and CHF₂; -   R¹⁰ is independently selected from from C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy,     and C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl.

According to one further embodiment of the invention in compounds of the formula I, II, III, IV, V and VI, where applicable, the variables have independently of each other or more preferably in combination the following meanings:

-   R¹ is hydrogen; -   R² is hydrogen; -   R³, R⁴ are independently selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl and     C₁—C-halogenalkyl; -   R⁵ is halogen; -   R⁶ is halogen; -   R⁷, R⁸ together with the carbon atoms to which they are bound form a     ring A, wherein the ring A is phenyl and wherein the ring A is     substituent by (R⁷⁸)_(o), wherein     -   o is 0, 1, 2 or 3; and     -   R⁷⁸ are independently selected from halogen and C₁-C₆-alkyl; -   R⁹ is in each case independently selected from CH₃ and CHF₂; -   R¹⁰ is independently selected from from C₁-C₆-alkyl and     C₁—C-halogenalkyl.

According to one further embodiment of the invention in compounds of the formula I, II, III, IV, V and VI, where applicable, the variables have independently of each other or more preferably in combination the following meanings:

-   R¹ is hydrogen; -   R² is hydrogen; -   R³, R⁴ are independently C₁-C₆-alkyl; -   R⁵ is halogen; -   R⁶ is halogen; -   R⁷, R⁸ together with the carbon atoms to which they are bound form a     ring A, wherein the ring A is phenyl and wherein the ring A is     substituent by (R⁷⁸)_(o), wherein     -   o is 0, 1, 2 or 3; and     -   R⁷⁸ are independently selected from halogen and C₁-C₆-alkyl; -   R⁹ is in each case independently selected from CH₃ and CHF₂; -   R¹⁰ are independently selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl and     C₁—C-halogenalkyl.

According to one further embodiment of the invention in compounds of the formula I, II, III, IV, V and VI, where applicable, the variables have independently of each other or more preferably in combination the following meanings:

-   R¹ is hydrogen; -   R² is hydrogen; -   R³, R⁴ are independently C₁-C₆-alkyl; -   R⁵ is F; -   R⁶ is F; -   R⁷, R⁸ together with the carbon atoms to which they are bound form a     ring A, wherein the ring A is phenyl and wherein the ring A is     substituent by (R⁷⁸)_(o), wherein     -   o is 0, 1, 2 or 3; and     -   R⁷⁸ are independently selected from halogen and C₁-C₆-alkyl; -   R⁹ is in each case independently selected from CH₃ and CHF₂; -   R¹⁰ is independently selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl and     C₁—C-halogenalkyl.

According to one further embodiment of the invention in compounds of the formula I, II, III, IV, V and VI, where applicable, the variables have independently of each other or more preferably in combination the following meanings:

-   R¹ is hydrogen; -   R² is hydrogen; -   R³, R⁴ are independently C₁-C₆-alkyl; -   R⁵ is F; -   R⁶ is F; -   R⁷, R⁸ together with the carbon atoms to which they are bound form a     ring A, wherein the ring A is phenyl and wherein the ring A is     substituent by (R⁷⁸)_(o), wherein     -   o is 0, 1, 2 or 3; and     -   R⁷⁸ are independently selected from halogen and C₁-C₆-alkyl; -   R⁹ is in each case independently selected from CH₃ and CHF₂; -   R¹⁰ is independently selected from CH₃ and CHF₂.

Particularly preferred active compounds I are selected from the group consisting of compounds I.A to IZA:

-   I.A:     1-(5,6-dimethyl-3-pyridyl)-4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline -   I.B:     1-[6-(difluoromethyl)-5-methyl-3-pyridyl]-4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline -   I.C:     1-[6-(difluoromethyl)-5-methoxy-3-pyridyl]-4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline -   I.D:     4,4-difluoro-1-[5-(fluoromethyl)-6-methyl-3-pyridyl]-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline -   I.E:     4,4-difluoro-1-(5-methoxy-6-methyl-3-pyridyl)-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline -   I.I:     1-[6-(difluoromethyl)-5-(fluoromethyl)-3-pyridyl]-4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline -   I.J:     1-(5,6-dimethyl-3-pyridyl)-4,4,5-trifluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline -   I.K:     4,4,5-trifluoro-1-[5-(fluoromethyl)-6-methyl-3-pyridyl]-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline -   I.L:     4,4,5-trifluoro-1-(5-methoxy-6-methyl-3-pyridyl)-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline -   I.P:     1-[6-(difluoromethyl)-5-methyl-3-pyridyl]-4,4,5-trifluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline -   I.Q:     1-[6-(difluoromethyl)-5-(fluoromethyl)-3-pyridyl]-4,4,5-trifluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline -   I.R:     1-[6-(difluoromethyl)-5-methoxy-3-pyridyl]-4,4,5-trifluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline -   I.S:     1-(5,6-dimethyl-3-pyridyl)-4,4,6-trifluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline -   I.T:     4,4,6-trifluoro-1-[5-(fluoromethyl)-6-methyl-3-pyridyl]-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline -   I.U:     4,4,6-trifluoro-1-(5-methoxy-6-methyl-3-pyridyl)-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline -   I.Y:     1-[6-(difluoromethyl)-5-methyl-3-pyridyl]-4,4,6-trifluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline -   I.Z:     1-[6-(difluoromethyl)-5-(fluoromethyl)-3-pyridyl]-4,4,6-trifluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline -   I.ZA:     1-[6-(difluoromethyl)-5-methoxy-3-pyridyl]-4,4,6-trifluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline.

Furthermore the present invention relates furthermore to the compounds of the formula III

in which

-   R¹ is in each case independently selected from hydrogen, halogen,     C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl; -   R² is in each case independently selected from hydrogen and halogen; -   R¹⁰ is in each case independently selected from H, halogen, O(R⁹⁵),     C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl; wherein     -   R⁹⁵ is C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl.

Preference is given to the compounds of the formula III wherein

-   R¹ is hydrogen; -   R² is hydrogen; -   R¹⁰ is independently selected from C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and     C₁—C-halogenalkyl.

Preference is given to the compounds of the formula III wherein

-   R¹ is hydrogen; -   R² is hydrogen; -   R¹⁰ is independently selected from CH₃ and CHF₂.

The invention is illustrated by the following examples:

Example 1—Bromination of 2,3-dimethylpyridine with DBDMH

To a stirred solution of 2,3-dimethylpyridine (10 g, 0.09 mol) in Oleum 65% (30 mL) at 10° C. DBDMH (14.5 g, 0.05 mol) was added. There after the exothermic reactions started. The reaction mixture was then heated at 105° C. for 2 h. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was poured onto ice (150 g) and the ph adjusted to 12 with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The product was extracted into MTBE (3×100 mL), the organic phases were dried with MgSO₄ and evaporated under reduced pressure to give 5-bromo-2,3-dimethylpyridine as yellow oil. Purity acc. to GC 87.3%; yield: 83.3%.

Example 2—Bromination of 2,3-dimethylpyridine with DBDMH

To a stirred solution of 2,3-dimethylpyridine (20 g, 0.185 mol) in oleum 65% (60 mL) at 10° C. DBDMH (31.7 g, 0.11 mol) was added. There after the exothermic reactions started. The reaction mixture was then heated at 105° C. for 2 h. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was poured onto ice (250 g) and the ph adjusted to 12 with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The product was extracted into MTBE (3×100 mL), the organic phases were dried with MgSO₄ and evaporated under reduced pressure to give 5-bromo-2,3-dimethylpyridine as yellow oil (34.3 g). Purity acc. to GC 87.0%; yield: 86.7%.

Example 3—Dichlorination of 5-bromo-2,3-dimethylpyridine

To a stirred solution of 5-bromo-2,3-dimethylpyridine (100 g, 0.54 mol) in acetic acid (150 mL) and 1000 mL chlorobenzene at 25° C. trichloroisocyanuric acid (93.0 g, 0.4 mol) was added. The reaction mixture was then heated at 125° C. for 3 h. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was poured onto ice (300 g) and the ph adjusted to 12 with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The product was extracted into ethyl acetate (3×200 mL), the organic phases were dried with MgSO₄ and evaporated under reduced pressure to give 5-bromo-2-(dichloromethyl)-3-methylpyridine as brown oil (139.3 g). Purity acc. to HPLC 57.3%; yield: 58.2%.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 2.6 ppm (s, 3H, CH₃); 6.8 ppm (s, 1H, CHCl₂); 7.7 ppm (s, 1H, CH); 8.5 ppm (s, 1H, CH)

Example 4—Dichlorination of 5-bromo-2,3-dimethylpyridine

To a stirred solution of 5-bromo-2,3-dimethylpyridine (100 g, 0.54 mol) in acetic acid (1000 mL) at 25° C. trichloroisocyanuric acid (93.0 g, 0.4 mol) was added. The reaction mixture was then heated at 75° C. for 12 h. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was filtrated. The solvent of the filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure (70° C., 40 mbar). Thereafter, the product was solved in 1000 mL ethyl acetate and washed two times with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The organic phases were dried with MgSO₄ and evaporated under reduced pressure to give 5-bromo-2-(dichloromethyl)-3-methyl-pyridine as white solid (130.0 g). Purity acc. to GC 88.0%; yield: 84.0%.

Example 5—Fluorination of 5-bromo-2-(dichloromethyl)-3-methyl-pyridine

To a stirred solution of 5-bromo-2-(dichloromethyl)-3-methyl-pyridine (20 g, 0.078 mol) in triethylamine (23.8 g, 0.24 mol) at 60° C. triethylamine-3HF-complex (63.2 g, 0.39 mol) was added. The reaction mixture was then heated at 115° C. for 21 h. After cooling to room temperature, water (20 mL) and CH₂Cl₂ (20 mL) were added to the reaction mixture and the ph adjusted to 9 with aqueous potassium hydroxide solution. The product was extracted into CH₂Cl₂ (3×100 mL), the organic phases were extraction with brine (1×100 mL) dried with Na₂SO₄ and evaporated under reduced pressure to give 5-bromo-2-(difuoromethyl)-3-methyl-pyridine as yellow oil (20.4 g). Purity acc. to GC 71.7%; yield: 84.5%.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 2.5 ppm (s, 3H, CH₃); 6.65 ppm (t, 1H, CHF₂); 7.75 ppm (s, 1H, CH); 8.5 ppm (s, 1H, CH).

Example 6—Fluorination of 5-bromo-2-(dichloromethyl)-3-methyl-pyridine

To a stirred solution of 5-bromo-2-(dichloromethyl)-3-methyl-pyridine (5 g, 0.0196 mol) in triethylamine (6.0 g, 0.06 mol) and (0.7 g, 0.01 mol) DMF at 60° C. triethylamine-3HF-complex (12.6 g, 0.08 mol) was added. The reaction mixture was then heated at 115° C. for 18 h. After cooling to room temperature, water (20 mL) and toluene (20 mL) were added to the reaction mixture and the ph adjusted to 9 with aqueous potassium hydroxide solution. The product was extracted into toluene (3×100 mL), the organic phases were extraction with brine (1×100 mL) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give 5-bromo-2-(difuoromethyl)-3-methyl-pyridine as yellow oil (4.3 g). Purity acc. to GC 78.4%; yield: 83.2%.

Example 7—Fluorination of 5-bromo-2-(dichloromethyl)-3-methyl-pyridine

From a stirred suspension of KF (88.8 g, 1.53 mol) and (21.3 g, 0.11 mol) benzyltrimethyl ammonium chloride in sulfolane 775 g (6.45 mol) sulfolane 169 g was distilled off at 120° C. and 5 mbar. After cooling to 25° C. and pressure release 5-bromo-2-(dichloromethyl)-3-methyl-pyridine 97.4% purity (100 g, 0.0196 mol) was added to the suspension. The reaction mixture was then heated at 130° C. for 12 h. Thereafter, the product was distilled off at 130° in a pressure range of 100-5 mbar. Three fraction were obtained: 1. Fraction 66.5 g contained 77.6% (quant. GC) product, 2. Fraction 87.5 g contained 16.4% (quant. GC) and a 3. Fraction 236.6 g contained 0.08% (quant. GC) product; yield: 75.8%.

Example 7—(4,4-Difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline-1-carbonyl)oxylithium

7.3 g (26 mmol) Ethyl 4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline-1-carboxylate and 1,143 g (27 mmol) lithium hydroxide in 100 ml methanol have been stirred at room temperature. After 2.5 hours HPLC showed total conversion of the starting material. Subsequently the solvent was evaporated at room temperature and the crystalline residue was stirred with diethylether. The crystals were filtered off and dried at 50° C. under vacuum to yield 6.3 g of the title compound as a light yellow solid (Mp>200° C., decomposition).

HPLC-MS: HPLC-column Kinetex XB C18 1, 7μ (50×2.1 mm); eluent: acetonitrile/water+0.1% TFA (5 gradient from 5:95 to 100:0 in 1.5 min at 60° C., flow gradient from 0.8 to 1.0 ml/min in 1.5 min). MS: Quadrupol Electrospray Ionisation, 80 V (positive mode).

M⁺+H=239.9 (R_(t)=0.797 min)

Example 8—1-(5,6-dimethyl-3-pyridyl)-4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline

2.9 g (11.8 mmol) (4,4-Difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline-1-carbonyl)oxylithium and 2.0 g (10.75 mmol) 5-bromo-2,3-dimethyl-pyridine in 50 ml toluene/N-methyl-pyrrolidone 3:2 where heated at 70° C. upon stirring and a light stream of argon was passed over this mixture. Subsequently 0,231 g (1.6 mmol) copper(I)bromide and 0,145 g (0.18 mmol) Pd(dppf)Cl₂×CH₂Cl₂ ([1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]dichloropalladium(II), complex with dichloromethane) were added and the mixture was heated to reflux (122° C.) over night.

Afterwards the volatiles were evaporated and the residue was taken up in methyl-t-butylether This heterogenous mixture was put on top of a short silica column which was eluted with methyl-t-butylether. The combined fractions were extracted with diluted ammonia solution and lithium chloride solution. The volatiles were evaporated to yield 3.2 g (purity (HPLC) 86%, yield 85%) of the title compound as a brown oil, which crystallized upon standing.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, δ in ppm): 8.52 (s, 1H); 7.83 (d, 1H); 7.67 (s, 1H); 7.62 (t, 1H); 7.52, (t, 1H); 7.3 (d, 1H); 2.55 (s, 3H); 2.35 (s, 3H); 1.4 (s, 6H)

HPLC-MS: HPLC-column Kinetex XB C18 1, 7μ (50×2.1 mm); eluent: acetonitrile/water+0.1% TFA (5 gradient from 5:95 to 100:0 in 1.5 min at 60° C., flow gradient from 0.8 to 1.0 ml/min in 1.5 min). MS: Quadrupol Electrospray Ionisation, 80 V (positive mode).

M⁺+H=301 (R_(t)=0.889 min)

Example 9—1-[6-(Difluoromethyl)-5-methyl-3-pyridyl]-4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline

2.43 g (9.9 mmol) (4,4-Difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline-1-carbonyl)oxylithium and 2.0 g (10.75 mmol) 5-bromo-2,3-dimethyl-pyridine in 50 ml toluene/N-methyl-pyrrolidone 3:2 where heated at 70° C. upon stirring and a light stream of argon was passed over this mixture. Subsequently 0,194 g (1.35 mmol) copper(I)bromide and 0,122 g (0.15 mmol) Pd(dppf)Cl₂×CH₂Cl₂ ([1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]dichloropalladium(II), complex with dichloromethane) were added and the mixture was heated to reflux (122° C.) over night.

Afterwards the volatiles were evaporated and the residue was taken up in methyl-t-butylether This heterogenous mixture was put on top of a short silica column which was eluted with methyl-t-butylether. The combined fractions were extracted with diluted ammonia solution and lithium chloride solution. The volatiles were evaporated and the residue was purified via column chromatographie with heptane/methyl-t-butylether-mixtures to yield 2 g (5.9 mmol; yield 68%) of the title compound as a light brown oil.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, δ in ppm): 8.65 (s, 1H); 7.87 (d, 1H); 7.83 (s, 1H); 7.67 (t, 1H); 7.55 (t, 1H); 7.25, (d, 1H); 6.75 (t, 1H); 2.58 (s, 3H); 1.4 (s, 6H)

HPLC-MS: HPLC-column Kinetex XB C18 1, 7μ (50×2.1 mm); eluent: acetonitrile/water+0.1% TFA (5 gradient from 5:95 to 100:0 in 1.5 min at 60° C., flow gradient from 0.8 to 1.0 ml/min in 1.5 min). MS: Quadrupol Electrospray Ionisation, 80 V (positive mode).

M⁺+H=337 (R_(t)=1.243 min)

Example 10—Ethyl 4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline-1-carboxylate

79.6 g (493 mmol) Triethylamine×3 hydrogen fluoride (NEt₃×3 HF) were added to 40 g (purity 80%, 82 mmol) ethyl 4,4-dibromo-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline-1-carboxylate in 100 ml acetonitrile. The mixture was heated to reflux for 2 hours, when HPLC showed completion of the reaction. Subsequently the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and cautiously poured onto ice cold 20% NaOH-solution. The aqueous layer was extracted twice with ethylacetate and the combined organic layers were extracted with brine. Afterwards the organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate and the volatiles were evaporated to yield 12 g (55%) of the title compound ethyl 4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline-1-carboxylate as brown oil.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, δ in ppm): 7.75 (2d, 2H); 7.65 (2t, 2H); 4.45 (q, 2H); 1.4 (m, 9H) HPLC-MS: HPLC-column Kinetex XB C18 1, 7μ (50×2.1 mm); eluent: acetonitrile/water+0.1% TFA (5 gradient from 5:95 to 100:0 in 1.5 min at 60° C., flow gradient from 0.8 to 1.0 ml/min in 1.5 min). MS: Quadrupol Electrospray Ionisation, 80 V (positive mode).

R_(t)=1.176 min, M⁺+H=268

Example 11—Dichlorination of 5-bromo-2,3-dimethylpyridine

To a stirred solution of 5-bromo-2,3-dimethylpyridine (250 g, 1.34 mol) in acetic acid (2500 mL) trichloroisocyanuric acid (234.2 g, 1.01 mol) was added at 25° C. Afterwards the reaction mixture was heated at 75° C. for 12 h upon stirring. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was filtrated. The solvent of the filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure (70° C., 40 mbar). Thereafter, the residue was solved in 1000 ml ethyl acetate and washed three times with aqueous 10% sodium hydroxide solution. The organic phase was dried with Na₂SO₄ and evaporated under reduced pressure to give 5-bromo-2-(dichloromethyl)-3-methyl-pyridine as a yellow solid (342 g).

This reaction was carried out four times as described above using a total of 1 kg (5.37 mol) 5-bromo-2,3-dimethylpyridin. The resulting crude products were dissolved in dichloromethane and combined and the solvent was distilled off under vacuum. The residue was taken up in 500 ml of n-heptane and the mixture was stirred at 60° C. until all solids had dissolved. Afterwards the mixture was allowed to cool down to room temperature. The title compound crystallized out and stirring was continued over night. Afterwards the mixture was cooled with an ice/water-bath and the precipitated crystals were filtered off to yield 1053 g (purity 97% (GC), 4.13 mol, 75% of theory) of 5-bromo-2-(dichloromethyl)-3-methyl-pyridine (mp=61° C.).

The mother liquor was evaporated to yield further 283 g (purity 62% (GC)) of the title compound.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): 2.6 ppm (s, 3H, CH₃); 6.8 ppm (s, 1H, CHCl₂); 7.7 ppm (s, 1H, CH); 8.5 ppm (s, 1H, CH

Example 12—1-(5,6-dimethyl-3-pyridyl)-4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline

To a suspension of 5-brom-1,3-dimethylpyridin (7,805 g; 40,693 mmol) and (4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline-1-carbonyl)oxylithium (9,976 g; 40,693 mmol) in 100 mL of dry N-methylpyrrolidone under N₂ was added CuBr (875.6 mg; 6,104 mmol), Pd(dppf)C12 (664.6 mg; 0,814 mmol) and 902.4 mg (1,628 mmol) dppf×CH₂Cl₂ ([1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]dichloropalladium(II), complex with dichloromethane). The reaction mixture was heated to 150° C. and stirred for 3 h. After the reaction was complete (HPLC) the mixture was cooled to 10° C.

Subsequently 100 ml of 5 molar hydrochloric acid was slowly added via dropping funnel. The aqueous layer was extracted twice with 100 ml n-heptane each and the organic layers were discarded.

300 ml n-Heptane was added to the aqueous layer and the solution was basified with 50% sodium hydroxide solution to pH=10 at 25° C. A solid residue precipitated which was filtered off, washed with n-heptane (3×50 ml) and discarded. Afterwards the layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with n-heptane (2×300 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄, the drying agent was filtered off and the volatiles were evaporated to obtain 11.1 g of the title compound as orange crystals.

Recrystallisation from heptane yielded 8.05 g beige crystals (purity 93.5% (quant. ¹H-NMR), yield 61.6%). Purification via column chromatography with cyclohexane/ethyl acetate mixtures afforded 1-(5,6-dimethyl-3-pyridyl)-4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline as white crystals, mp=104-105° C.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, δ in ppm): 8.52 (s, 1H); 7.83 (d, 1H); 7.67 (s, 1H); 7.62 (t, 1H); 7.52, (t, 1H); 7.3 (d, 1H); 2.55 (s, 3H); 2.35 (s, 3H); 1.4 (s, 6H)

Example 13—1-[6-(Difluoromethyl)-5-methyl-3-pyridyl]-4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline

To a suspension of 5-bromo-2-(difluoromethyl)-3-methyl-pyridine (36.59 g; 163.16 mmol) and (4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline-1-carbonyl)oxylithium (40.00 g; 163,165 mmol) in 480 ml of dry N-methylpyrrolidone under N₂ were added CuBr (3.51 g; 24.48 mmol), Pd(dppf)Cl₂×CH₂Cl₂ (2.67 g; 3.26 mmol) and 3.62 g (6.53 mmol) dppf ([1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]dichloropalladium(II), complex with dichloromethane). The reaction mixture was heated at 150° C. and stirred for 8 h. After the reaction was complete (HPLC) the mixture was cooled to 10° C. and subsequently added to a mixture of 300 ml water and 500 ml n-heptane. Afterwards the mixture was basified with 50 ml of 25% ammonia-solution at 25° C. (pH 11-12) and filtered over Celite. The Celite was washed with n-heptane and the aqueous ammonia layer was separated from the n-hexane layer.

The combined heptane phases were washed twice with 250 ml of 5% hydrochloric acid. After the first extraction some insoluble material precipitated which was filtered off and discarded.

The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and evaporated to obtain 40.5 g of the title compound (purity˜80% (quant.-HPLC)).

This product was dissolved in 400 ml of n-heptane. The heptane-phase was extracted twice with 250 ml of 15% HCl and the heptane phase was discarded afterwards.

The combined HCl-layers were treated three times with 500 ml of dichloromethane to extract the product into the organic phase.

Thereafter the combined dichloromethane layers were stirred for 1 h with 300 ml of 20% Na₂CO₃-solution.

The phases were separated and the organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and evaporated to obtain 33.3 g 1-[6-(Difluoromethyl)-5-methyl-3-pyridyl]-4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethylisoquinoline (purity 92.5% (quant. ¹H-NMR), yield 56%).

The title compound could be further purified via column chromatography with cyclohexane/ethyl acetate mixtures.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, δ in ppm): 8.65 (s, 1H); 7.87 (d, 1H); 7.83 (s, 1H); 7.67 (t, 1H); 7.55 (t, 1H); 7.25, (d, 1H); 6.75 (t, 1H); 2.58 (s, 3H); 1.4 (s, 6H) 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A process for preparing a compound of formula I,

in which R¹ is in each case independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl; R² is in each case independently selected from hydrogen and halogen; R¹⁰ is in each case independently selected from H, halogen, O(R⁹⁵), C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl; wherein R⁹⁵ is C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl; comprising: (i) selective chlorination of a compound of the formula II

wherein R¹, R² and R¹⁰ are as defined above with a chlorinating agent to provide a compound of the formula III

(ii) and a selective fluorination of the compound of the formula III using a fluorination agent to provide the compound of formula I.
 2. The process according to claim 1, wherein step (i) is carried out in an inert solvent.
 3. The process according to claim 2, wherein step (i) is carried out in an inert solvent selected from the group consisting of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and halohydrocarbons, cyclic or acyclic ethers, nitriles, aliphatic halohydrocarbons, and mixtures thereof.
 4. The process according to claim 3, wherein the inert solvent is selected from the group consisting of cyclohexane, heptane, benzene, toluene, xylenes, cumene, mesitylene, chlorobenzene, dichlorobenzenes, tert-butylbenzene, diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, tert-butyl methyl ether (MTBE), tert-butyl ethyl ether, methyl cyclopentylether, tetrahydrofuran (THF), methyl tetrahydrofuran (methyl THF), dioxane, acetonitrile, propionitrile, dichloromethane, dichloroethane, trichloromethane, and mixtures thereof.
 5. The process according to claim 1, wherein the chlorinating agent is selected from the group consisting of N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS), sulfuryl chloride, Cl₂, trichloroisocyanuric acid, and 1,3-dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin.
 6. The process according to claim 1, wherein the chlorinating agent is trichloroisocyanuric acid.
 7. The process according to claim 1, wherein step (i) is carried out in the presence of an organic carboxylic acid and in the absence of an alkali metal salt of said carboxylic acid.
 8. The process according to claim 1, wherein step (i) is carried out in the presence of an organic carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of: formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and aliphatic sulfonic acids selected from the group consisting of: methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid.
 9. The process according to claim 1, wherein the fluorinating agent is selected from the group consisting of KF, KHF₂, NaF, CaF2, Olah reagent, and a polyhydrofluoride complex of a trialkylamine.
 10. The process according to claim 1, wherein step (ii) is carried out in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst.
 11. The process according to claim 1, wherein step (ii) is carried out in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst selected from the group consisting of quarternary ammonium salts, quarternary pyridinium salts, quarternary phosphonium salts, and any combination thereof.
 12. The process according to claim 1, wherein step (ii) is carried out in the presence of a catalytic amount of a polar solvent.
 13. The process according to claim 1, wherein the compound of formula II is prepared using a compound of formula IV

in which R¹ is in each case independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl; R² is in each case independently selected from hydrogen and halogen; R¹⁰ is in each case independently selected from H, halogen, O(R⁹⁵), C₁-C₆-alkyl and C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl; wherein R⁹⁵ is C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-halogenalkyl; in a reaction with a brominating agent selected from the group consisting of N-bromosuccinimide (NBS), 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH), and a system consisting of HBr/H₂O₂ in the presence of oleum 65%.
 14. The process according to claim 4, wherein step (i) is carried out in chlorobenzene. 